Modular plastic plates solve two distinct problems in landscaping and residential construction: draining water under landscaped surfaces and artificial turf, or creating permeable pavements that support live grass under vehicle weight. The choice between a cell drainage plate and a grass paver plate is not nuanced: one drains, the other structures the ground. This comparison of the two MOLTEXO plates helps you decide which one fits your project.
🎯 Choose in 10 seconds
- If you need to drain water under artificial turf, a landscaped terrace, or a residential green roof: go to Cell Drainage Plate
- If you are building an eco-parking lot, vehicle path, or pedestrian walkway with live grass or decorative gravel: go to Grass Paver Plate
What to consider before choosing
Before buying, evaluate these four criteria. They determine whether the plate will fulfill its function or lead to puddles or dead grass within weeks of installation.
- Main function: draining or structuring pavement: the cell plate creates an open chamber under the surface to evacuate water to side drains. The paver plate structures the ground so that vehicles and pedestrians can travel over live grass or gravel without compacting the soil. Applying one where the other is needed leads to puddles or dead grass.
- Type of top load: the drainage plate (33×33×3 cm) is sized for continuous pedestrian traffic and the weight of green roof substrate. The paver plate (50×50×4 cm) is sized for sedan, SUV, and pickup traffic in residential parking lots, plus continuous pedestrian use.
- Surface material: landscaping, grass, or pavement: the drainage plate works under artificial grass, green roof substrate, and porous pavement bases. The paver plate is filled with soil and seeded grass (integrated natural look) or decorative gravel (mineral finish with maximum drainage). Each plate has its own scenario.
- Permeability and project drainage: both are permeable, but through different mechanisms: the drainage plate creates channels under the surface; the paver plate allows direct infiltration into the subsoil through the grass or gravel infill. The choice depends on the hydraulic behavior required by the project.
Cell drainage plate: chamber under surface
- Open cell structure for water flow under surface
- Lateral click-assembly system without tools
- Structural plastic resistant to pedestrian traffic weight
- Adaptable to irregular shapes (cut with saw or scissors)
- Compatible with artificial grass and green roofs
- Does not structure the ground for vehicular traffic
- Draining function (not permeable pavement)
Modular plastic cell plate for drainage in structural plastic, dimensions 33 × 33 × 3 cm per plate, pack of 8 plates. Designed for residential and commercial artificial turf bases (terraces, patios, playgrounds, play areas); conditioning small and medium green roofs in residences, offices and businesses; perimeter drainage in small retaining walls, large planters and transition zones; bases for porous pavements in sustainable projects and residential parking areas.
Grass paver plate (grass paver): structured permeable pavement
- Structure distributes vehicle weight, protecting grass roots
- Permeable drainage against puddles through direct infiltration
- Suitable for sedans, SUVs, and pickups in residential parking
- Modular manual click-assembly system with perimeter clicks
- Versatile infill: soil with grass or decorative gravel
- Does not replace drainage plate on green roofs (different function)
- Calibrated for light vehicles (not heavy industrial equipment)
Eco-paver plate (grass paver) in structural plastic, dimensions 50 × 50 × 4 cm per plate, pack of 8 plates. Designed for residential and commercial eco-parking lots where grass or decorative aggregate is maintained under vehicle weight; access roads, pedestrian paths in gardens, parks and pergola areas with a natural aesthetic; golf courses, recreation areas, children's play areas with a firm and draining surface; permeable pavements in urban sustainability projects with drainage criteria.
Comparative table
| Feature | Drainage plate | Paver plate |
|---|---|---|
| Main function | Subsurface drainage | Structured permeable pavement |
| Dimensions | 33 × 33 × 3 cm | 50 × 50 × 4 cm |
| Load capacity | Pedestrian traffic and substrate | Light vehicles (sedan, SUV, pickup) |
| Typical infill | Green roof substrate, fine gravel | Soil with grass or decorative gravel |
| Assembly system | Lateral perimeter click | Lateral perimeter click |
| Main application | Green roofs, artificial grass bases | Eco-parking lots, paths, driveways |
| Packaging | Pack of 8 plates | Pack of 8 plates |
| Permeability | Yes (channeled drainage) | Yes (direct infiltration) |
Use case matrix → recommended product
| If your case is… | Recommended product |
|---|---|
| Base for artificial turf on residential terrace without puddles | → Drainage plate |
| Residential green roof with drainage for excess irrigation and rain | → Drainage plate |
| Perimeter drainage in large planter with heavy substrate | → Drainage plate |
| Base for porous pavement in a sustainable project | → Drainage plate |
| Children's playground with artificial turf on a draining surface | → Drainage plate |
| Eco-friendly residential parking with live grass under vehicles | → Paver plate |
| Vehicle access path in garden with natural aesthetic | → Paver plate |
| Pedestrian path in park with stable decorative gravel | → Paver plate |
| Recreation area with firm and draining surface | → Paver plate |
| Small commercial parking with urban sustainability criteria | → Paver plate |
Before buying, define two pieces of information: what is on top of the plate (pedestrian traffic with landscaping or vehicles on grass/gravel) and what the surface needs (subsurface drainage or structured pavement). The practical rule: artificial turf, landscaped terrace, or green roof → drainage plate (33 cm); eco-parking, access road, or vehicle path → paver plate (50 cm). Confusing the two plates will lead to puddles in one case or dead grass in the other.
Do not use a drainage plate for vehicle parking. The drainage plate is not sized to support the weight of a sedan or SUV — it will crush and lose its drainage chamber within a few weeks. For eco-parking lots, the only correct option is the structural paver plate. Conversely: using a paver plate as an artificial turf base on a small terrace is unnecessary over-engineering.
Not sure which panel you need?
If you combine ecological parking with a green roof or a terrace with gardening in the same project, ask the virtual assistant with details of the top load, finish surface, and expected hydraulic behavior. You will receive a technical recommendation instantly.
All Products Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the panels be cut to fit irregular shapes?
Yes. Both panels can be cut with a hand saw, jigsaw, or industrial shears to fit curved edges, corners, circular planters, and non-rectangular geometries typical of landscaping. The structural plastic allows for a clean cut without crumbling.
Can the pavement panel withstand the weight of a truck or heavy equipment?
No. The pavement panel is calibrated for light vehicles (sedan, SUV, pickup) in residential parking. For truck or heavy equipment traffic, different solutions are needed (geocell with gravel infill on a structural base, concrete pavement, etc.) calculated by a structural engineer.
How is the grass kept alive on the pavement panel?
The panel's structure protects the grass root zone by distributing vehicle weight. The grass is sown in the soil that fills the panel cells, and with adequate irrigation, it grows and is maintained for years, even under regular vehicular traffic in residential parking.